Hard mountains, soft hearts: The Hardrock Hundred Endurance Run

In 1991, Gordon Hardman initiated the Hardrock Hundred Endurance Run, a grueling ultra-trail race designed to pay homage to the resilience of Colorado’s early miners who navigated the rugged San Juan Mountains. Limited to just 152 runners, each selected through a combination of invitation and lottery, the race culminates in a triumphant moment—kissing the iconic rock in Silverton.

For Silverton, a once-thriving mining community, the Hardrock Hundred draws ultra-runners from across the globe, each seeking to conquer events longer than the traditional marathon—races spanning 30, 50, 100 miles, and beyond. Among the participants are passionate enthusiasts and elite athletes, drawn by the challenge and allure of the event.

“It’s unlike anything else,” one participant remarked. “You’re ascending to 13,000, 14,000 feet eight times during the race. A hundred miles.”

Starting and finishing in Silverton, the course weaves through four historic mining towns—Lake City, Ouray, and Telluride—forming one monumental loop. With 13 ascents above 12,000 feet, 7 climbs beyond 13,000 feet, and a summit of Handies Peak at 14,048 feet, the course presents a mix of trails, game paths, and mountaineering challenges, complete with alpine ridges, stream crossings, and abundant snow.

At an average elevation exceeding 11,016 feet, runners tackle a staggering 33,992 feet of ascent and descent—a total of 67,984 feet. The clock ticks for 48 hours, though most complete the race within 40.

Among the participants is Kilian Jornet, a renowned Spanish athlete famed for his audacious endurance feats, including summiting Mt. Everest—twice—unsupported and without oxygen within a week. Jornet has set records at the Hardrock Hundred in recent years, completing the course in approximately 23 hours, despite enduring injuries like a dislocated shoulder from a snowfield fall.

“The mountains here are breathtaking. The views are unparalleled,” Jornet reflected after one of his Hardrock finishes. “The high altitude, the varied terrain—it’s a unique and challenging race. There’s a special spirit to it.”

Indeed, the Hardrock Hundred is cherished worldwide. In 2017 alone, the race received 2,000 applications from 43 countries and 47 states, attracting runners of all ages, with the oldest participant being 75 years old.